Growing up, I was raised to, if I saw someone in uniform, thank them. That uniform represents the freedom of our country and the ones inside that uniform are true heroes. I currently attend a senior military college as a civilian and everyday, I see military personnel. From the professors to the students, these individuals help teach the future generations that our military is what keeps America strong. But when was the last time you sat down with a soldier and said, “Thank you for everything you do”?

For those who have dreams, there are thousands of men and women fighting to help you achieve it. When you live another year in the United States, it is because of the brave. What people don’t realize is that America is free because of the brave. Sounds simple, right? But it really isn’t. Just imagine it for a moment. People, some whom you may not know, are willing to take a bullet for the ones they love and the home they adore. Could you take a bullet for someone you don’t know? Would you be willing to take care of your best friend as someone is coming after you? I will not go in-depth and detail what it is like to be a soldier because it is different for everyone. I am going to tell you a story and hopefully it will make you think.

Before going back to school, my family and I decided to get lunch at the Atlanta Bread Company. There was a man standing behind us who was a member of the military. We looked at him and said that a man in uniform should never buy his lunch, it was on us. His face lit up and he insisted that it was okay. But if anyone is willing to risk their lives for us … the least we can do is say thank you. We had no idea who that man was, but just the act of saying thank you meant everything. I know this may seem like some boring article, but what if this article could speak to all of us. What if a simple thank you and a handshake was enough to let all of the troops know that what they do every day is appreciated. I understand there are opposing view on the military, I get that, but that gives you no reason to not say thank you. True heroes do not wear capes or fly around. True heroes are people who represent something bigger than themselves because of the passion they have for a better life. True heroes are people willing to pick you up and run a thousand miles if it meant your safety. Why not thank them?

The little actions that we take can change the lives of those who protect us. If you think about it, our troops can be our super heroes. When they open their shirt, take off their glasses and look up into the sky, the only symbol that shows is the great American Flag. The cape waving behind them is the freedom that we are so blessed to have. There are so many things that make this country great and this is one of them. We do not give them the credit they deserve and it sickens me. As an American, I would like to say thank you to every soldier reading this. Thank you for putting on your armor and being my protector. Thank you for bleeding red, white, and blue so that I can wake up the next morning in one piece. Thank you for leaving the ones you love behind to provide a better life. Thank you for teaching us all what it really means to be an American. And finally … we are all Americans because “I” “Can.” We can remember what it means to be free by realizing where we started. “I” “Can” show America that by thanking a soldier we are thanking a legacy. So, the next time you see a soldier in uniform, shake their hand, look them in the eye and say, “Thank you for everything.”